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Fallen Angel
Set against the twin backdrops of the modern urban ritual magic scene and the bustle and colour of Restoration London, this is a tale of angels and devils, art and lies, and sibling rivalry at its most irretrievably complicated.
552 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2001
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322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 25, 2011
Without a doubt my favourite book to date. I couldn't put it down and the way I was so passionate about telling everybody about it, I started to wonder if maybe the wanderer had gotten to me too. I have been a fan of Kim Wilkins since I read the Infernal many years ago (which I loved also), but this book, I couldn't put down at all. And it haunted me for a long time after reading. This book goes between current time and previous happenings. And as always with Kims writing, she manages to make you feel as if you really are there, watching the events unfold.
Anybody who's interested in Paranormal fiction, anything to do with angels and or fallen angels and just anybody who would like to read one of the best books ever written, would really enjoy this book. One that I was devastated to finish as there was no more left to read!!
Anybody who's interested in Paranormal fiction, anything to do with angels and or fallen angels and just anybody who would like to read one of the best books ever written, would really enjoy this book. One that I was devastated to finish as there was no more left to read!!
August 24, 2013
I Loved this book. It is creepy, atmospheric and truly original. The story is a story within a story: a young woman is being compelled by a sinister story-teller to hear the story of the daughters of John Milton who were enthralled by a fallen angel. The angel was a present from their dead mother who at first seems like a wonderful gift for the girls but soon tears them apart.
The characters are flawed and selfish, while also understable and sympathetic which of course makes them far more interesting. The story is set mainly in Restoration London with all its smelly streets and bustling life and colour.
The story itself is full of brooding menance and sexual tension that KW keeps up until the end. The angel is sexy and not terribly angelic towards the girls - I have to admit I sort of wanted one of my own....I'm willing to take the bad with the good!
I lent this book out to lots of people and its still out there somewhere circulating, which means that I shall probably have to purchase another copy as it's a great winter read and a real keeper.
The characters are flawed and selfish, while also understable and sympathetic which of course makes them far more interesting. The story is set mainly in Restoration London with all its smelly streets and bustling life and colour.
The story itself is full of brooding menance and sexual tension that KW keeps up until the end. The angel is sexy and not terribly angelic towards the girls - I have to admit I sort of wanted one of my own....I'm willing to take the bad with the good!
I lent this book out to lots of people and its still out there somewhere circulating, which means that I shall probably have to purchase another copy as it's a great winter read and a real keeper.
January 5, 2012
Kim Wilkins is a brilliant author and this book in particular touched my soul. Its moody and sensual and harsh and also vulnerable, as are the three young women who step into a world of angels and demons with the naivety of children. The story weaves around a contemporary journalist with not enough luck and a bit too much curiosity. As stories are told withing stories, the origins of one of the most famous poems ever written, John Milton's Paradise Lost, is re-visioned. What a fabulous book!
Kim Wilkins has contrasted a 17th Century paranormal coming of age journey with modern day notions of right and wrong, good and bad, love and loss and finally, compassion. She paints vividly across a landscape that reaches from heaven to hell and back. It's wonderful, and horrible, a gripping tale beautifully told. Bravo!
Kim Wilkins has contrasted a 17th Century paranormal coming of age journey with modern day notions of right and wrong, good and bad, love and loss and finally, compassion. She paints vividly across a landscape that reaches from heaven to hell and back. It's wonderful, and horrible, a gripping tale beautifully told. Bravo!
October 15, 2022
This was actually good?? Don't judge a book by it's very ugly cover I guess.
Want to read
January 4, 2012Title: Angel of Ruin (Fallen Angel)
Author: Kim Wilkins
Publisher: Harper Collins
This is a dark tale skillfully woven by this master of Gothic Horror. It starts with a simple premise Sophie Black is a journalist looking for something to write about on her return to London to get in some quick cash. She is broke and needs to pay the rent, recently broke up with her boyfriend, and feeling fragile.
Sophie decides to write a piece on the Occult cults in London. She manages to get herself invited to a meeting with a group called the Lodge. Thoroughly skeptical she partakes in her first ritual and sees it as a sham. The only thing interesting about the meeting was when one of the members describes fleeing from an old woman they called the Wanderer, who wanted to tell her a tale. Now, Sophie was intrigued, how could an old woman’s story be harmful? She was about to find out.
This is where Kim skillfully weaves in a tale of three sisters in seventeenth century London, daughters of the blind poet John Milton using the two of the girls as his scribes. ‘Paradise Lost’ the poem Milton is working on, takes on immense meaning to the girls when an Angel called Lazodeus they summon creates mistrust and jealously between the three formerly close sisters. The youngest Deborah becomes concerned for the family and sets out to save her sisters, her father and herself. Through the plague, and the Great Fire of London she learns the powerful magic needed to protect them and ends up making a pact with the mesmerising beautiful angel. Only then does she discover the enormous sacrifice she has made.
Sophie listens to the tale that becomes her obsession and her life over several visits to the old woman in a derelict building. The group members of the Lodge try to save her from the spell being cast but it is too powerful. She too could become a shadow of her former self, living a long and unfulfilling life, trapped in the spell, desperately trying to tell a tale no one wants to hear.
I found this book irresistible and disturbing. The sibling rivalry and the consequences of simply being too curious were delightful and thought provoking. A great read and another treasured addition to the bookshelf.
Author: Kim Wilkins
Publisher: Harper Collins
This is a dark tale skillfully woven by this master of Gothic Horror. It starts with a simple premise Sophie Black is a journalist looking for something to write about on her return to London to get in some quick cash. She is broke and needs to pay the rent, recently broke up with her boyfriend, and feeling fragile.
Sophie decides to write a piece on the Occult cults in London. She manages to get herself invited to a meeting with a group called the Lodge. Thoroughly skeptical she partakes in her first ritual and sees it as a sham. The only thing interesting about the meeting was when one of the members describes fleeing from an old woman they called the Wanderer, who wanted to tell her a tale. Now, Sophie was intrigued, how could an old woman’s story be harmful? She was about to find out.
This is where Kim skillfully weaves in a tale of three sisters in seventeenth century London, daughters of the blind poet John Milton using the two of the girls as his scribes. ‘Paradise Lost’ the poem Milton is working on, takes on immense meaning to the girls when an Angel called Lazodeus they summon creates mistrust and jealously between the three formerly close sisters. The youngest Deborah becomes concerned for the family and sets out to save her sisters, her father and herself. Through the plague, and the Great Fire of London she learns the powerful magic needed to protect them and ends up making a pact with the mesmerising beautiful angel. Only then does she discover the enormous sacrifice she has made.
Sophie listens to the tale that becomes her obsession and her life over several visits to the old woman in a derelict building. The group members of the Lodge try to save her from the spell being cast but it is too powerful. She too could become a shadow of her former self, living a long and unfulfilling life, trapped in the spell, desperately trying to tell a tale no one wants to hear.
I found this book irresistible and disturbing. The sibling rivalry and the consequences of simply being too curious were delightful and thought provoking. A great read and another treasured addition to the bookshelf.
October 26, 2007
The Australian title (title of the copy I read) is "Angel of Ruin", note the author also appears to be Australian.
This kind of fantasy horror is not really my cup of tea... but it was an okay read, a little predictable.
This kind of fantasy horror is not really my cup of tea... but it was an okay read, a little predictable.
March 18, 2014
Brilliant! Needless to say it was extremely engaging. Could not and did not want to put it down. If I could have eaten this book I would have. Absolutely love this author, in fact she is my favourite, writing as both Kim Wilkins and Kimberly Freeman.
September 24, 2007
Another brilliant book by the wonderful Kim Wilkins, whilst straying from horror into fantasy, the twist on the writing of Paradise Lost is amazing. The final twist at the end is awesome.
July 10, 2013
A book I would like to be buried with. The perfect marriage of history and fantasy, and a shining example of its author's many talents.
September 3, 2025
Good example of don't judge a book by it's cover , and how some writers can rise & fade away back into obscurity . Wilkins used to be heralded as ' the future of horror' back in the early 2000. This novel was a bestseller and yet it's hardly known and even out of print . It does seem to have a bit of a cult following .
Anyway, the story may not be everyone cuppa tea, but it's certainly interesting. Part drama, historical fiction and occult horror. It's about patriarchal abuse, betrayal, loyalty.... and a hot fallen angel manipulating the daughters of John Milton .(Portrait as the most horrible misogynistic father imaginable ) It all takes place while he's writing Paradise lost. The story takes it sweet time to develop and could be a bit shorter. The characters are very well developed ,and there's a constant sense of dread is lingering throughout the story.
Anyway, the story may not be everyone cuppa tea, but it's certainly interesting. Part drama, historical fiction and occult horror. It's about patriarchal abuse, betrayal, loyalty.... and a hot fallen angel manipulating the daughters of John Milton .(Portrait as the most horrible misogynistic father imaginable ) It all takes place while he's writing Paradise lost. The story takes it sweet time to develop and could be a bit shorter. The characters are very well developed ,and there's a constant sense of dread is lingering throughout the story.
July 12, 2019
Perfect like always. I really loved the sisters.
What the author is trying to learn us with this story:
"Bitches, TALK with eachoter."
and
"Never let a man come between your sisters and you, and above all no angel!"
What the author is trying to learn us with this story:
"Bitches, TALK with eachoter."
and
"Never let a man come between your sisters and you, and above all no angel!"
June 7, 2023
This is a book that is, at it's core, about storytelling. And, boy, what a wonderful story it has to tell. This book had me under it's spell from the first page until the end. I cannot believe that I bought this completely blind, but I'm glad I did
June 12, 2023
This was actually closer to 4.5 stars, but I decided to round up because the quibbles I had didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. I love the idea of a novel explaining exactly how John Milton was "of the Devil's party without knowing it."
March 1, 2021
A very interesting story! It starts out slow but picks up pretty well. I liked it. All about battle between angels, demons and humans.
February 10, 2025
No matter how imagine the store will unfold Wilkins proves me wrong. Her writing is addictivive from the very first page and I am now an avid fan. 3 down. Many more to go.
January 4, 2012
Title: Angel of Ruin (Fallen Angel)
Author: Kim Wilkins
Publisher: Harper Collins
This is a dark tale skillfully woven by this master of Gothic Horror. It starts with a simple premise Sophie Black is a journalist looking for something to write about on her return to London to get in some quick cash. She is broke and needs to pay the rent, recently broke up with her boyfriend, and feeling fragile.
Sophie decides to write a piece on the Occult cults in London. She manages to get herself invited to a meeting with a group called the Lodge. Thoroughly skeptical she partakes in her first ritual and sees it as a sham. The only thing interesting about the meeting was when one of the members describes fleeing from an old woman they called the Wanderer, who wanted to tell her a tale. Now, Sophie was intrigued, how could an old woman’s story be harmful? She was about to find out.
This is where Kim skillfully weaves in a tale of three sisters in seventeenth century London, daughters of the blind poet John Milton using the two of the girls as his scribes. ‘Paradise Lost’ the poem Milton is working on, takes on immense meaning to the girls when an Angel called Lazodeus they summon creates mistrust and jealously between the three formerly close sisters. The youngest Deborah becomes concerned for the family and sets out to save her sisters, her father and herself. Through the plague, and the Great Fire of London she learns the powerful magic needed to protect them and ends up making a pact with the mesmerising beautiful angel. Only then does she discover the enormous sacrifice she has made.
Sophie listens to the tale that becomes her obsession and her life over several visits to the old woman in a derelict building. The group members of the Lodge try to save her from the spell being cast but it is too powerful. She too could become a shadow of her former self, living a long and unfulfilling life, trapped in the spell, desperately trying to tell a tale no one wants to hear.
I found this book irresistible and disturbing. The sibling rivalry and the consequences of simply being too curious were delightful and thought provoking. A great read and another treasured addition to the bookshelf.
Author: Kim Wilkins
Publisher: Harper Collins
This is a dark tale skillfully woven by this master of Gothic Horror. It starts with a simple premise Sophie Black is a journalist looking for something to write about on her return to London to get in some quick cash. She is broke and needs to pay the rent, recently broke up with her boyfriend, and feeling fragile.
Sophie decides to write a piece on the Occult cults in London. She manages to get herself invited to a meeting with a group called the Lodge. Thoroughly skeptical she partakes in her first ritual and sees it as a sham. The only thing interesting about the meeting was when one of the members describes fleeing from an old woman they called the Wanderer, who wanted to tell her a tale. Now, Sophie was intrigued, how could an old woman’s story be harmful? She was about to find out.
This is where Kim skillfully weaves in a tale of three sisters in seventeenth century London, daughters of the blind poet John Milton using the two of the girls as his scribes. ‘Paradise Lost’ the poem Milton is working on, takes on immense meaning to the girls when an Angel called Lazodeus they summon creates mistrust and jealously between the three formerly close sisters. The youngest Deborah becomes concerned for the family and sets out to save her sisters, her father and herself. Through the plague, and the Great Fire of London she learns the powerful magic needed to protect them and ends up making a pact with the mesmerising beautiful angel. Only then does she discover the enormous sacrifice she has made.
Sophie listens to the tale that becomes her obsession and her life over several visits to the old woman in a derelict building. The group members of the Lodge try to save her from the spell being cast but it is too powerful. She too could become a shadow of her former self, living a long and unfulfilling life, trapped in the spell, desperately trying to tell a tale no one wants to hear.
I found this book irresistible and disturbing. The sibling rivalry and the consequences of simply being too curious were delightful and thought provoking. A great read and another treasured addition to the bookshelf.
August 22, 2015
This is a dark tale skillfully woven by this master of Gothic Horror. It starts with a simple premise Sophie Black is a journalist looking for something to write about, on her return to London, to get in some quick cash. She is broke and needs to pay the rent, recently broke up with her boyfriend, and feeling fragile.
Sophie decides to write a piece on the Occult cults in London. She manages to get herself invited to a meeting with a group called the Lodge. Thoroughly skeptical, she partakes in her first ritual, and sees it as a sham. The only thing interesting about the meeting, was when one of the members describes fleeing from an old woman they called the Wanderer, who wanted to tell her a tale. Now, Sophie was intrigued, how could an old woman’s story be harmful? She was about to find out.
This is where Kim skillfully weaves in a tale of three sisters in seventeenth century London, daughters of the blind poet John Milton, using the two of the girls as his scribes. ‘Paradise Lost’ the poem Milton is working on, takes on immense meaning to the girls when an Angel called Lazodeus they summon creates mistrust and jealously between the three formerly close sisters. The youngest Deborah becomes concerned for the family and sets out to save her sisters, her father and herself. Through the plague, and the Great Fire of London she learns the powerful magic needed to protect them and ends up making a pact with the mesmerising beautiful angel. Only then does she discover the enormous sacrifice she has made.
Sophie listens to the tale that becomes her obsession and her life over several visits to the old woman in a derelict building. The group members of the Lodge try to save her from the spell being cast but it is too powerful. She too could become a shadow of her former self, living a long and unfulfilling life, trapped in the spell, desperately trying to tell a tale no one wants to hear.
I found this book irresistible and disturbing. The sibling rivalry and the consequences of simply being too curious were delightful and thought provoking. A great read and another treasured addition to the bookshelf.
Sophie decides to write a piece on the Occult cults in London. She manages to get herself invited to a meeting with a group called the Lodge. Thoroughly skeptical, she partakes in her first ritual, and sees it as a sham. The only thing interesting about the meeting, was when one of the members describes fleeing from an old woman they called the Wanderer, who wanted to tell her a tale. Now, Sophie was intrigued, how could an old woman’s story be harmful? She was about to find out.
This is where Kim skillfully weaves in a tale of three sisters in seventeenth century London, daughters of the blind poet John Milton, using the two of the girls as his scribes. ‘Paradise Lost’ the poem Milton is working on, takes on immense meaning to the girls when an Angel called Lazodeus they summon creates mistrust and jealously between the three formerly close sisters. The youngest Deborah becomes concerned for the family and sets out to save her sisters, her father and herself. Through the plague, and the Great Fire of London she learns the powerful magic needed to protect them and ends up making a pact with the mesmerising beautiful angel. Only then does she discover the enormous sacrifice she has made.
Sophie listens to the tale that becomes her obsession and her life over several visits to the old woman in a derelict building. The group members of the Lodge try to save her from the spell being cast but it is too powerful. She too could become a shadow of her former self, living a long and unfulfilling life, trapped in the spell, desperately trying to tell a tale no one wants to hear.
I found this book irresistible and disturbing. The sibling rivalry and the consequences of simply being too curious were delightful and thought provoking. A great read and another treasured addition to the bookshelf.
August 21, 2008
I had been looking for this book for ages. Tried ordering it from Amazon, but they had somehow eaten all their copies or something, so they couldn't ship it. Tried ordering it from other sites and the same thing happened. I found it on holiday and immediately started reading it. Because I had such high expectations of it, it didn't quite live up to it, but part of that had to do with the fact that it was a bit too long and dense to be a really good book to read whilst on holiday. Still, it was an interesting enough read, since it dealt with John Milton, Paradise Lost, fallen angels, a curse, the power of stories, the Great Fire of London and other cool topics. The characters were a bit one-dimensional and their actions not always quite believable, but the storyline was cool and the angel Lazodeus certainly saved the day for me. All in all a decent historical fantasy with some nice literary references thrown in.
February 8, 2017
I first picked up this book because I had recently read Frost Giants by Kim Wilkins and adored both the story and her writing. However my first thought was 'What a terrible cover!'. It looks seriously unprofessional and tacky. Normally I may have put it down without a further look (despite knowing not to judge a book by its cover I can't help but relate it to the quality of the publishing house/author and their work) but I knew Kim Wilkins was a great writer so I gave it a go.
I was not disappointed. This book drew my in deep (much like Sophie in the story - hehe). Beautifully written and touching. Simply put - I loved it.
Thank you Kim for another great read. I highly recommended this book and am disappointed to see a lack of review on here but feel this may be to that silly cover!
I was not disappointed. This book drew my in deep (much like Sophie in the story - hehe). Beautifully written and touching. Simply put - I loved it.
Thank you Kim for another great read. I highly recommended this book and am disappointed to see a lack of review on here but feel this may be to that silly cover!
September 13, 2009
An exciting and historical look at the wican way of life including curses that pass thorough the ages and haunt you from the past, present and future, It starts out quite slow however if you stick with it you will not be sorry. More that once I put this book down only to pick it up again wondering what I was missing. Similar to the Infernal it passes through the ages from generation to generation through a curse that only super naturals are really open to. Kind of spooky in an odd way but definitely worth your time to read. Kim Wilkins is an amazing author who always manages to bring forth the excitement of the super natural realm in more ways than one.
February 13, 2010
I definitely enjoyed this book. I felt like the end was a little bit of a cop-out (I would have preferred the resolution to have been a bit more difficult for Sophie), but over all it was very good.
It wasn't as frightening as some of her other books have been, although it was certainly creepy, and there were some scenes that definitely wouldn't sit well with some readers. But I didn't need to sleep with the lights on, or just remind myself that it was a story.
Overall a very enthralling book.
It wasn't as frightening as some of her other books have been, although it was certainly creepy, and there were some scenes that definitely wouldn't sit well with some readers. But I didn't need to sleep with the lights on, or just remind myself that it was a story.
Overall a very enthralling book.
January 19, 2008
I read the Australian titled version of this book "Angel of Ruin". I like Kim Wilkins because she always puts a interesting twist on history (and she's Aussie!). This book was pretty predictable if you thought about it but it was still reasonably interesting and the "twists" where suprising enough if you didn't think about it to much. I'd reccomend it to anyone who wants a light horror novel as its not very scary but still packs a subtle punch.
September 3, 2016
Another rather amazing book by Australian fiction writer Kim Wilkins. The story is interesting and captivating, the prose fluent and each character is very well outlined. Only a couple of small (yet outstanding) mistakes towards the end slow the pace of the story but all in all the whole book is extremely enjoyable. It could've maybe been a few pages shorter, still, who's scared of a lengthy tome?!
September 24, 2015
I was excited to read this novel, the blurb really drew me in and I was looking forward to reading something different. Unfortunately I couldn't get into it, I was falling asleep each time I tried to read it. The relationship between Lazodeus and the sisters was just a little bit too creepy for me. However, I did enjoy the ending with Sophie. I'm sure many people would love this, but it just wasn't for me.
December 16, 2012
Kkchfkjhdsgjc,dsgzsdkuhf,Juarez,kudhffk,uhsdf,muggy,dad this book was wonderful! The ending was absolutely magnificent in every sense of the word, though it may have been a bit rushed.
I just absolutely adored how you couldn't tell whether lazodeus was good or bad up until the last second.
Loved it.
I just absolutely adored how you couldn't tell whether lazodeus was good or bad up until the last second.
Loved it.
September 21, 2012
Enjoyable & different. Thanks Kim
January 12, 2014
I bought this book on a whim in an op-shop, and once I started reading it, couldn't put it down! I will certainly be looking for more books by this author.
January 11, 2014
Could not put it down, one of my favourite Wilkins books to date
June 21, 2014
Amazing!!!
Brilliant, a must read.
I think it's one of her best books
I couldn't put it down.
Brilliant, a must read.
I think it's one of her best books
I couldn't put it down.
July 3, 2014
Where does kim Wilkins get the ideas for her books excellent read I have shared with many
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews